Quick Answer
Yes, it is generally safe to wash most bird feeders in the dishwasher. The hot water and detergent in the dishwasher can effectively clean and sanitize bird feeders. However, there are a few precautions to take:
– Avoid putting feeders made of wood, rope or other natural materials in the dishwasher, as the high heat and moisture can damage them. Stick to plastic, metal or glass feeders.
– Remove all old bird seed and other debris from the feeder before washing. Particles can get lodged and prevent proper cleaning.
– Use the top rack of your dishwasher for bird feeders, and place them upside down or sideways so water can drain out of tubes and openings. Securing them with dishwasher safe straps can help.
– Skip the dishwasher drying cycle, and allow feeders to air dry completely before refilling with seed. Trapped moisture can allow mold or bacteria to grow.
– Wash feeders regularly, at least a few times per year, to prevent disease transmission. Disinfect with a dilute bleach solution periodically.
The Benefits of Washing Bird Feeders in the Dishwasher
Washing bird feeders in the dishwasher has several advantages over hand washing:
– Thorough cleaning: Dishwashers provide a deep, rigorous cleaning using very hot water and strong detergents. The high water pressure spray blasts away all visible debris, and the heat kills bacteria and sanitizes the surface of the feeder. Doing this by hand would require significant scrubbing.
– Labor saving: Simply placing feeders in the dishwasher and running a cycle is much faster and easier than washing by hand. The dishwasher does the hard work for you.
– Hygiene: Dishwashers sanitize feeders by killing viruses, bacteria, molds and other pathogens. This helps prevent the spread of diseases between birds at feeders. Proper sanitation is critical for bird health.
– Convenience: You can throw bird feeders in with your regular dishes and wash them simultaneously. There’s no need to hand wash bird feeders separately.
– Thorough rinsing: Dishwashers will rinse off all soap residues, leaving feeders cleaner with no soapy residue that could harm birds.
Precautions When Washing Bird Feeders in the Dishwasher
While the dishwasher can clean most plastic, metal and glass bird feeders safely, there are some precautions to take:
– Avoid wood feeders: The combination of heat, moisture and detergent can warp, crack or degrade wood over time. Stick to feeders made of plastic, glass or metal.
– Remove old bird seed: Make sure to completely empty out all old bird seed, including stuck-on debris in crevices or tube openings. Remaining particles could get lodged during cleaning.
– strategic placement: Set feeders upside down or sideways in the top rack so water drains fully. Plastic straps can secure them in place. Keep away from heating element.
– Skip the drying cycle: Let feeders fully air dry before refilling them with bird seed. Remaining moisture encourages mold growth.
– Regular cleaning: Wash feeders at least a few times per year, more often if they get dirty quickly. Periodically disinfect with a 10% bleach solution.
– Inspect for damage: Check that feeders are still intact after washing, not cracked or warped. Replace if damaged.
How to Wash a Bird Feeder in the Dishwasher
Follow these steps for successfully washing bird feeders in the dishwasher:
1. Empty out old bird seed and debris
Remove any remaining bird seed, shells, or other debris stuck inside or outside the feeder. Empty out tube feeders completely. Debris could clog the dishwasher.
2. Disassemble feeders if needed
Some feeders may need to be partially disassembled to allow thorough cleaning. Remove any parts that might come loose.
3. Place feeder upside down or sideways in top rack
Position the feeder upside down, sideways or at an angle in the top rack so water can fully drain out of any openings or tubes.
4. Use straps to secure if needed
Plastic dishwasher-safe straps can secure the feeder in place and prevent it from flipping over or blocking spray arms.
5. Add detergent and run full wash cycle
Use regular dishwasher detergent. Run a full wash cycle using the highest temperature setting appropriate for the feeder material. Avoid any heat dry settings.
6. Allow to fully air dry
When the cycle finishes, remove the feeder and let it air dry completely before refilling with bird seed. Place outside or in a well ventilated area.
7. Refill feeder when completely dry
Once totally dry, add fresh bird seed and reassemble any parts before returning the feeder outside to its hanging location. Monitor for any cracks or damage.
The Best Materials for Washing in Dishwashers
Here are the best materials for bird feeders that can withstand regular dishwasher cleaning:
– Plastic: Durable, lightweight plastic that is dishwasher-safe works great. Look for polyethylene, polypropylene or PET/acrylic. Avoid PVC which can leach chemicals.
– Stainless steel: Steel feeders won’t degrade in water or detergent. Stainless steel provides excellent durability.
– Glass: Glass is impervious to moisture and heat. Tempered glass feeders are long-lasting.
– Ceramics: High-fired glazed ceramic bowls hold up well in the dishwasher. Unglazed terra-cotta can absorb water.
– Metal: Powder-coated steel, copper or aluminum feeders often do fine in the dishwasher. Avoid rust-prone uncoated steel.
– Concrete composite: Some synthetic concrete-like materials resist moisture and heat damage. Check manufacturer’s guidance.
Material | Dishwasher-safe? |
---|---|
Plastic | Yes, if durable polyethylene, PET/acrylic or polypropylene plastic. |
Stainless steel | Yes |
Glass | Yes, tempered glass. |
Ceramic | Glazed ceramics are ok. Avoid unglazed terra-cotta. |
Metal | Coated steel, copper and aluminum are mostly ok. Avoid uncoated steel. |
Concrete composite | Sometimes, check manufacturer. |
Wood | No, wood warps and degrades. |
Rope | No, it frays and disintegrates. |
Materials to Avoid in the Dishwasher
Here are some materials that should be hand washed instead of running through the dishwasher:
– Wood: The moisture causes wood to crack, warp and deteriorate over time. Stick to plastic or metal feeders.
– Rope: Natural and synthetic ropes will fray, come loose and disintegrate with repeated machine washing.
– Clay: Unglazed terra cotta and other porous clays absorb water and can leach minerals. Use glazed ceramic instead.
– Concrete: Concrete can slowly erode and leach lime in dishwasher detergent. Stick to synthetic concrete composites.
– Paint: Cheap paint may chip, bubble or peel off after multiple dishwasher cycles. Use high quality powder coated or enameled paints.
– Paper/cardboard: Any paper labels or inserts will quickly degrade. Remove them first before washing.
– Natural fibers: Plant-based materials like rattan or bamboo do not hold up over time. Opt for synthetic woven materials.
In general, the high heat and moisture in dishwashers can degrade adhesives, paint, wood finishes and other materials. When in doubt, hand wash the feeder to be safe.
Tips for Washing Specific Bird Feeder Types
Here are some tips for cleaning common bird feeder varieties in the dishwasher:
Tube Feeders:
– Completely empty seed from all tubes and cavities before washing
– Position upside down in dishwasher rack so water drains fully
– Use soft bottle brush to scrub inside tubes if needed
Hopper/House Feeders:
– Rinse or wipe away debris from house roof and perches
– Place upside down so water drains from seed reservoir
– Remove any textured perch grips if possible
Platform/Tray Feeders:
– Lay completely flat in dishwasher rack so all surfaces are exposed
– Use soft scrub brush for stuck-on debris on platform
– Avoid plastic mesh trays which can trap food particles
Suet Cages:
– Disassemble cage and remove suet cage completely
– Place parts loosely in silverware basket area
– Use brush to scrub suet residue off wires
Hummingbird Feeders:
– Completely disassemble nectar reservoir and feeding ports
– Position any parts upside down to drain water
– Use bottle brush to scrub inside nectar reservoir
How Often Should You Wash Bird Feeders?
To prevent diseases and maintain sanitary conditions for visiting birds, bird feeders should be washed:
– Every 2-4 weeks: Wash hummingbird feeders every 2-4 weeks to prevent dangerous mold and bacteria growth in sugary nectar. More frequent washing is better.
– Monthly: For seed feeders, wash monthly or every 3-4 weeks to remove built-up debris and waste that can harbor pathogens.
– After sick birds: Disinfect feeders after any sightings of sick birds to prevent disease spread. Use one part bleach diluted with nine parts water.
– Seasonally: Do a thorough scrub and disinfecting of all feeders at least 1-2 times per year. This helps start each season off with a clean slate.
– When visibly dirty: Wash when large amounts of bird droppings, spoiled seed or other debris accumulate. Don’t allow messes to build up.
– Before storage: Always wash feeders before storing them away for many months during the off-season. Remove all food particles and debris.
The more often bird feeders are cleaned, the less chance of diseases spreading between birds. Establish a regular dishwasher cleaning routine.
Tips for Cleaning Bird Feeders by Hand
If you cannot wash a particular bird feeder in the dishwasher, here are tips for effective hand washing:
– Use warm water and mild detergent like dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals.
– Let feeders soak for 15-20 minutes to loosen stuck-on gunk and bird droppings.
– Scrub with a soft brush like a baby bottle brush to reach small crevices.
– Thoroughly rinse off all soap residues after cleaning is finished.
– Allow feeders to fully air dry before refilling with bird seed.
– Sanitize with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water) periodically.
– For wood feeders, use gentle soap and dry immediately after washing to prevent warping.
– Check feeders for any damage after washing, such as chipped paint or warped surfaces.
– Deep clean hummingbird feeders every 5 days by hand to prevent dangerous mold growth.
Even with hand washing, clean feeders as often as possible to maintain sanitary bird feeding conditions.
Conclusion
Washing bird feeders in the dishwasher is a convenient, effective way to keep them clean for safer bird feeding. Most plastic, metal and glass feeders do very well with regular machine washing using hot water and detergent. This removes debris, sanitizes surfaces and prevents disease transmission between birds. Place feeders upside down or sideways in the top rack, skip the drying cycle, and allow to fully air dry before refilling. Avoid putting wood, rope or other natural material feeders in the dishwasher. Wash feeders regularly to reduce contamination – hummingbird feeders every 2-4 weeks, seed feeders monthly or more often. With some simple precautions, the dishwasher can be a great tool for bird feeder cleaning and sanitizing.